Late Of The Pier — Fantasy Black Channel

Rarely does a band's debut record hit the ground running with so much confidence and poise. And seldom has a group so clearly entrenched in '80s post-punk revival managed to revitalize and modernize the familiar synths and guitar licks of that era with such gusto and boundless creativity.

In an era where like-minded contemporaries The Killers and The Rapture have become bogged down in striving to recapture bygone moments, Fantasy Black Channel is four young Brits picking up the tools of yesteryear and learning to build the future.

Queen interlude-esque intro "Hot Tent Blues" segues into dance-rock-meets-bluesy wailing on "Broken." Before listeners come up for air, they've been deluged with drugged-out African tribal beats ("The Bears Are Coming"), two truly inspired '80s synth-punk freakouts ("Heartbeat" and "Focker") and a Genesis-styled The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway-sung-by-Bryan Ferry moment ("The Enemy Are The Future").

The album spins out of control early, leaving the listener to hang on for dear life.

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